Friday, November 25, 2016

VD, I've read everyday for probably 18 months (and bought a couple of your non science fiction books). I agree with the overwhelming vast majority of what you have to say. I'm not thin skinned and I don't mind confrontation. From school, to the business world to "around town" I'm considered well above average intelligence....

I still don't always understand what you are trying to say 25% of the time. While my 38 years of life may prove me not in the fat part of the bell curve, here I most certainly think you would. Which is why when I read, and once every two to three days I think to myself "Vox sure can be an asshole. I don't think that guy was trying to undermine or go gamma- just had an honest question because he didn't understand" But I come back to read because you are also extremely insightful, even if I don't also always understand.

Do you ever think you are turning away A LOT of potential allies because their IQ is 100, 110, 120, 125? The one time I took an IQ test back in high school mine was a little north of the latter. Maybe all those questions aren't because they are trying to undermine what you are saying or making it about them with their gamma behavior. Sometimes us 100-125 folks just don't get it. And yet I'm pretty sure if we are going to win, not lose, it's going to take the 100-125 folks getting on board. I want to win. So in other words Vox, "I love your work. Please don't always be such an asshole. Cause I want to win."

I understand I said "I" about a hundred times in that, I'm a reader and not one who comments. Therefore you have no history with me and I no legitimacy with you- forgive my temporary trespass trying to build some cred to make a point.

This tends to remind me of the woman who argued that Ann Coulter would have so much more of an impact if she was just nicer. At the time, Ann had the bestselling nonfiction book in the country and was, as she is now, the most influential conservative political commentator in the world. It doesn't actually apply as an analogy, since I'm not that successful, but you get the point.

Anyhow, while I'm willing to admit that I do occasionally misread questions that are asked in all innocence or ignorance, my read on a questioner is usually pretty good, having been honed by many years of receiving questions concerning my columns and blog posts. Spergs, trolls, and anklebiters have learned to try to conceal their intentions, and spergs, in particular, love to try to score imaginary points with pedantic, and usually incorrect, "corrections". And frankly, I consider my response to that sort of thing to be restrained; I would favor capital punishment.

But I'm sure there are honest questions from the 0SD to 2SD crowd that simply don't get something for one reason or another. It's possible that I could try to slow things down in order to communicate better with them, or spell things out more, or stop skipping logical steps. I don't see how that would make sense, however, as there are relatively few people doing what I'm doing. How many other people are introducing people to Fukuyama and Turchin and Taleb and tying their theories into something that can be coherently tied to today's politics, just to provide one example? And I'm dubious that I have the personality or the patience to surmount the so-called communication gap that separates me from the 0SD to 2SD crowd. I'm not a teacher, after all, and this isn't my job.

I'd prefer to see people do what the Men of the West have done. Take the ball and run with it. Rather than waiting for me to tone it down or dumb it down, why not write your own translations or impressions of what I've said and put it on a blog somewhere? Because, honestly, I don't see things changing much. We are who we are, and if anything, I'm so busy these days that I am even less inclined to suffer questions and criticism that are less than substantive.

It is a good reminder, though, to think twice before dismissing someone as a troll, a sperg, or an anklebiter and treating them accordingly. Because not everyone who initially looks like one actually is.

I'm sure John Oliver and Chris Matthews would attract a wider audience if they were "nicer" to their opponents. They don't seem interested in it. They play to their audience, you write to yours.

Occasionally, you write something that goes over my head. I keep reading, doing some side research, and eventually, it clicks. I don't see why others can't take a similar approach, rather than expect you to paint it by the numbers. Making your audience stretch a little promotes growth. Those not interested in growth can find another platform to read.

From what I have seen, intelligence much above the 95th percentile is as much a curse as a blessing. And busy ambitious men always tend to skim read people. They do not have the time and rarely care enough to look deeply into people they do not yet know. Vox you are ably to quickly read people. 90% of those with an interest in A are also are into C and that equals a long list of traits and beliefs. It is scary just how predictable most of us are. You do not have time or the desire to worry about being wrong one out of ten times. That one out of ten can mess up the whole equation, making you 90% accurate and 10% asshole. The feelings of the 90%. They just need to grow thicker skin.

I'm over 65, and an unregenerate Confederate from Virginia. I've been going down the rabbit hole since 1995 in print, and 2005 on the web. One of you commenters here can probably answer my question as my search engine is trying to play "stoopid" on this. What is the meaning of 0SD, 2SD, etc.?

@14, SD refers to standard deviations from the mean. The common IQ scale uses a 15-point SD, which means 2/3 of test-takers fall between 85 and 115 -- within 15 points below or above the mean of 100. About 95% fall within 2 standard deviations, or between 70 and 130.

So roughly, if we refer to 1SD/2SD, we're talking about people in the 115-130 IQ range.

Thank you, Wyrd. I have no idea where I fall in there. Back when the "skoo' system" and the U.S. Navy were testing me, the results were TOP SECRET, and a small potato like myself was never allowed to view the results.

0 SD refers to no deviation from the standard, or average. Obviously, most people fall into that category. +1 SD is one variance above the average (IQ around 110-120). The 2 SD is then two variances above the average (IQ around 120-130).

What I've found on this blog are a lot of +2's (I include myself in this) who will misunderstand Vox's postings, and sometimes (this is when hilarity ensues) demand explanation of a point or an assertion when it is clear that they are never going to get it. I've noticed that Vox is much more patient with the 0's and +1's than the +2 and highers...which is the way it should be.

I too like Vox the asshole...without the later we would have posts about fruity umbrella drinks and Vikings propaganda.

Vox, if you would just act against your nature and change the part of your style that is your primary appeal among your hardcore supporters and is a major factor in your popularity and probably how I heard of you in the first place, you'd make me haaaapy.

Thank you, Wyrd. I have no idea where I fall in there. Back when the "skoo' system" and the U.S. Navy were testing me, the results were TOP SECRET, and a small potato like myself was never allowed to view the results.

I scored 145 but I'm a classic case of an absent-minded professor. If it doesn't interest me, I'm retarded.

Insulting allies and supporters, and potential allies and supporters, who are of sub-VD IQ merely for being average is a waste of ammo and counter-productive.

If they stop asking stupid and/or leading questions about things to which I have already provided them the answer, I will stop telling them they are asking stupid questions.

And I absolutely reserve the right to tell any idiot who challenges me directly or pulls that passive-aggressive gamma crap with me that they are morons. They may be potential allies of yours, which is fine, but they are not potential allies of mine.

It is a good reminder, though, to think twice before dismissing someone as a troll, a sperg, or an anklebiter and treating them accordingly. Because not everyone who initially looks like one actually is.

Exactly. Initial commentators sometimes need a hand getting up to speed here in the shark tank. Stupid questions are like chum, but if the fresh face can survive the shock of initial contact, they too can become valuable contributors. I don't want to see Vox Popoli slow down one bit; but I've seen newbies helped into the water by patient Ilk and Dread Ilk. If memory serves me correctly, someone was going off on Bane for being crude, then Nate shot that guy down saying something along the lines that Bane helped him getting started on VP. This blog, and the world at large, is a better place because of Nate's magnificent contribution. So yeah, Bane could peal paint at 1000 yards, but look at the result of an old hand helping someone find their voice.

Not to worry, Vox. With all you do and all that is on your plate, you don't need another thing on it. I think if you were "nicer" it might take away the edge that makes your stuff so compelling. And I say this as someone who has once or twice been taken to the wooshed by you.

I DID read my first science fiction novel at age 11. It was "The Spaceship Under The Apple Tree" from my elementary school library. From then on, I was hooked. Of course, before that, I watched Superman on the telly.

I have been a nosy bastard all my life because, as "G.I.Joe" used to put it, "Knowing is half the battle". I'm not sure what led me here, but it cheered me greatly to discover that Vox is an unapologetic Christian.

I would never ask him to dumb down anything. That's part of our national problem today, thanks to the Commie-Liberal-Socialist-Satanic Rat Bastards who currently run (ruin?) everything in sight down here . . . . at least for a little while longer.

Insulting allies and supporters, and potential allies and supporters, who are of sub-VD IQ merely for being average is a waste of ammo and counter-productive.

In a few years of reading here, I've never seen Vox insult someone for "merely being average." Sometimes, when a particular kind of midwit is being aggressively stupid, he will point out the intelligence gap because he knows that triggers them, but that's different.

I have learned in my few years here not to ask stupid questions. If I have a question, one of the Ilk will most likely address it or I will figure it out on my own. Or maybe my question was my own insecurity or lack of knowledge and I just need to address it to keep up.

Nate, your comment has already been proven to my great satisfaction. Now I really WISH I did know my own I.Q. I'll freely admit that if it was shown to be relatively high, I would probably beat my stupider relatives over tha head with it. Ergo, it's probably best that I never know.

I DO have a measly B.A. in Studio Art. That does NOT make me a Liberal in any way! I use it daily as a graphic designer to help feed and clothe my family. On the other hand, my 4 years as a CUNT (Civilian Under Naval Training) in the imperial navy of Emperor Richard I (Tricky Dick) was an education in reality that mere money just can't buy.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.2 Timothy 2:24-26

I think it would be more beneficial to be patient and humble. This intolerance of stupid people is a carnal, fleshly hatred and is not of the spirit.

Don't forget that this blog does attract an unusual number of liars, shills, and secret kings.

Vox and I have very different personalities and modes of intelligence, but over the last couple of years, I have begun recognizing the same qualities in bad poasters as he. Pattern recognition is real.

It's all lies. There is no disconnect between VD's positions and the IQ-requirements to understand them. I have consistently been tested with an IQ between 90 and 95 (-1SD below median) and there is not one aspect of the VDian ideology I don't "understand". This type of low-grade concern trolling is always the same. Good job for not falling for it.

I deliberately dumb-down my language, teaching and writing to appeal to a larger audience. Vox once expressed surprise at how non-irritating I was when we talked together since he'd previously only read my breezy, snarky, goofy writing. The obvious humor and chatty conversational shtick is just a game I play in order to reach average folks. Call me Speaker To The Normals. VD shouldn't change. Many of us read him because he is smarter than we are. Somebody has to reach the intelligent, and as he has no monetary need to dumb down (as I do), I'm glad he doesn't.

I don't comment much (just a handful of times) because I don't usually have much to add, and there's no point in me talking just so everyone else can hear it.

One thing that some here may need a reminder on. +2SD and above folk will always be in the ultra-minority. We need folk like Vox and everyone else here, but the goal can't ever be our own utopia of gifted intellectuals. It just isn't in the cards humanity has to play. History has a plethora of examples of the "riff-raff" pulling down their intellectual betters when they get damned good and tired of taking shit from them.

Intelligence does NEED an outreach program. It doesn't need to be this site, but somewhere it does have to happen. Ivory tower intelligentsia always ends poorly for everyone involved.

Also, as a further reminder, particularly for the Christians here, most highly intelligent folk aren't Christian. Christ didn't come to call smart folk, nor did he preach to them or about them. He came for the sinners, the meek, etc. His commandment was to love God with all your being, and your neighbor as yourself. He didn't care about intellect. Even stupid people can love.

Intellect is a tool to be used, and wielded wisely. It is not an end to itself. If we aren't using our intellect for good, we're missing the boat.

but hold on there DH. We know that Vox's IQ is brought down by the fact that monkey's are literally better at spatial reasoning than he is. So isn't it also possible that while your total IQ is 95 there are bits that are higher and other bits that are lower... but the high bits allow you to understand vox more easily than your total IQ would indicate?

Jesus approached his audience in context. One the one hand both the woman at the well and the woman caught in adultery were asked questions in a non-threatening manner. On the other hand, the Pharisees were mocked and the money changers were whipped. Vox correct in verbally whipping dishonest shills. Dishonesty in the form of political correctness needs be whipped, not tolerated. One does not lose his humility in confronting lies.

"Between 3SD and 4SD. Keep in mind, however, I am literally retarded with regards to spatial relations. So, it's perhaps a little misleading."

I'm assuming you mean that it's closer to 4 with a huge negative zone.

Something that has occurred to me after passing closer attention is that this is why you despise pedantry so much - you're both smart enough that the verbal tricks are completely transparent and also to wonder why the hell anyone would bother.

Today Mike Cernovich will be on Alex Jones with Watson in the 2nd hour.

Vox isn't a jerk (jokes AWCA). I don't care for the nicey nice terming, I think its innocent though its just that where was VD unkind? If you have a question he will answer or the question can be posed here then others can explain. Vox is misunderstood or people dont bother re-reading something again if they dont understand or disagree.

Since 2008, maybe 5 out of approx 30 readers have been give my RGD and TIA copies. I think around 5 to 6 understood, enjoyed both books. The others said it was complicated to read which is odd because both books are concise easy reading to go thru in one day. It appeared that their atheism or current economic positions were bothered or disrupted or challenged, etc.

Reading here and around out loutlets have been great: Eco, many of the writers at Castalia House, Greg Johnson, Cerno, Fukuyama.

For example, I have a better handle on econ, philosophy even fatalism to even more carefully thinking things through before I act, all it took was a mere explanation or featuring some works.

Speaking of Ann Coulter, I really wish Kellyanne would consult with her before anyone talks to Mittens any longer.

I take it as drill. I get derailed trying to win arguments with trolls. I get egotistical, I let it be about me far too much. I still get spitting mad, then I get reminded that We. Don't. Care. And come back to get another quill pulled outta muh face.

"Question: are you equally fine with everyone who has ever lost family members to Israelis or Bolshevik Jews killing you and every other Jew they can find, as well as everyone who has good words to say about the Jews?

Or do you think that the Holocaust is somehow historically unique and therefore justifies ethnic snowflaking?"

OR

"It is a good reminder, though, to think twice before dismissing someone as a troll, a sperg, or an anklebiter and treating them accordingly. Because not everyone who initially looks like one actually is."

Cognitive dissonance explosion.

For the record, I am of Polish descent, and all of the 132 extended family members I referenced above were Roman Catholic. About 75% died directly due to German actions, the rest I would say were 15% plain starvation, and 10% died at Russian hands. The family was centered in villages in southern Poland that fell under Nazi rule. The stories I have been told first hand by the few survivors have given me a burning hatred of Nazis and any Nazi sympathizers I can identify - and I will not apologize for that, nor will any argument sway me.

But it's nice of you to ASSume you know about what you in fact know very litte.

I'm not start trying to start a war here, I actually support Vox and all his projects, I was just thinking the other day I might buy some Castalia books, maybe I can find time to read them over the holidays.

Back when Vox and I were debating inflation and deflation a remember at least one fairly intelligent fellow was absolutely dumbfounded that we were discussing the definitions money and defining and classifying money vs money substitutes.

The guy was so innately Keynesian he literally could not understand what we were talking about and could not imagine how it could apply to encon.

this is why you despise pedantry so much - you're both smart enough that the verbal tricks are completely transparent and also to wonder why the hell anyone would bother.

It literally boggles my mind. It's like watching a toddler hide behind his hands and genuinely thinking you can't see him. It took me a while to understand that they genuinely think they are fooling people.

The stories I have been told first hand by the few survivors have given me a burning hatred of Nazis and any Nazi sympathizers I can identify - and I will not apologize for that, nor will any argument sway me.

That's a very useful description of Aristotle's rhetorical. One who cannot be moved by information.

When it comes to nice, no point doing so with leftist ever. I've yet to encounter one anywhere that will listen to your point of view or say anything substantive before resorting to a-hole, da rasis, sexist or whatever.

They are perfectly ok making me a slave and even worse oblivious to it. For all their 'intellectual' superiority they are some of the stupidest and most hypocritical around even with any college education.

My initial reaction to Mitt at State was 100% negative. I was left wondering what does Trump see in this guy. I certainly don't trust him, and didn't vote for him. But the only thing I could figure was Mitt is a business guy, and isn't that what we need at State, a competent direction towards business?

At SecDef, absolutely Mattis.

So, presenting to the rest of the world - Business or War - take your pick, makes sense as a total picture of foreign relations.

"The stories I have been told first hand by the few survivors have given me a burning hatred of Nazis and any Nazi sympathizers I can identify - and I will not apologize for that, nor will any argument sway me. / But it's nice of you to ASSume you know about what you in fact know very little"

Your family tradition accords with what I read in Snyder's "Bloodlands".

I've seen arguments from modern NatSocs that Hitler misunderstood and/or corrupted his own ideology, but honestly I leave those to the spergs.

When I first started commenting here seven years ago, Vox and a few of the Ilk slapped me around for passive-aggressiveness. It stung, but I kept coming back because nobody else at the time was providing the kind of information and analysis that Vox was. The truth is addicting once you get used to hearing it. But the slapping around was at least as invaluable as the information, because it not only civilized me, but sharpened my debate and discussion skills considerably. I have nothing but gratitude for the intellectual rock-tumbler that VP is.

I long for the day when all humanity shall have been reduced to a homogeneous unstriving pulp. In that futurity I will not miss the contentiousness by tall poppies on forums such as this. Mistake us not, exotic pressures can be brought to bear even on the most motley minds to render them gray, insipid and smug just because. In those days I shall no longer have to take offense to signal my virtue. All I will have to do is submit. The difference is that I will love it and you habitual crimethinkers will be dragged kicking and screaming into the eternal half-light in which all our contentions shall have been laid to rest. But for now, you are all utterly...gah, I can't even...

@43You're reading an incorrect translation of the Bible if you're reading the one where Paul tells someone to castrate themselves. I'm guessing you own the NIV? As for Jesus getting angry, well, Jesus is God. God's wrath is justified. God also murders people, but that doesn't mean we should murder people who wrong us, either.

"Nate, you still planning on writing up what went wrong with your analysis?"

I've explained it before I just haven't put up a post. but in my defense I haven't put up a post about anything in forever. Little busy.

Basically what happened was I based my prediction on a rate of spending and a rate of debt increase. I looked at 1995 to 2010 or so and took that rate of growth and extrapolated it out. We got Obamacare as a massive spending increase but per the rate I had figured we needed at least 2 more trillion dollar bills to get passed and it never happened. It showed signs for a while of our debt buyers getting antsy.. but they never fled en masse. so the collapse never happened.

@64 James Dixon: I have a hard time believing Feynmann had an IQ of 123. More likely he was too bored by the test to try. Or at the very least it strongly illustrates the limitations of the IQ test as an assessment of IQ. Quantum chromodynamics ain't simple boy.

Concern Trolling and tone policing are far too close to the "innocent questioner" the other day.

This is not the site for trigger warnings; every so often we get a graphic example of what not to do. This is the way men (and women) used to learn. Those that are getting upset at this seriously need to HTFU.

It's one of the most damaging things to society. It's a reason for VFM. How can you withstand media or progressives, if you still care so much about your feelings being hurt on Alt-right/west blogs and news sites?

X Standard deviations from 100 IQ points where 1 sd equals 15. Presumably higher than 100 and not lower. But such evil discriminatory measurement and noticing have long since been deprecated. It is nobler not to know.

iq is only an imprecise tracker of intelligence, in my opinion, on an individual level. It should be much more significant for large groups, by the law of large numbers.

I have known people with very iqs who have far exceeded my ability to solve problems and yet have been shallow thinkers in the wider scheme of things, incapable of making advances in any realm let alone the sort of things Feynman did.

You can't just pretend there are "different aspects" to IQ when the idea of IQ is a single quotient that expresses the concept of intelligence indivisibly. It is a useful metric to yardstick people and their relative intelligence.

One of the reasons I like this blog is that Vox doesn't talk down to his audience. As @41 illustrates, people with lower iqs can often get things that people with higher ones simply don't. That doesn't mean that they are necessarily more 'intelligent' than the latter, but intellectual honesty and intuition will get you further than someone who is not really interested in understanding new ideas.

> "Quiz time: How would one convince Rightisallright to ally with Nazis?"

Have you actually read the Nazi platform? Why aren't you for universal suffrage, old-age pensions, ending high-interest debt-slavery, and a free and fair press? Go read the 25-points and come back and tell me which ones you disagree with. I'll wait.

People like Vox need to do what they do best, which is push the envelope and expose people to new ideas. You can't be creative/productive when you're stopping to explain the basics every few steps. There are plenty of others more suited to that.

> ...but per the rate I had figured we needed at least 2 more trillion dollar bills to get passed and it never happened.

Ah, so Congress being unwilling to sign off on any additional massive spending programs actually did have some effect. But in that case we're still on course, merely going more slowly than you expected.

> Vocabulary, spatial reckoning, etc are not part of IQ.

Perhaps not, but they are used in the measurement of it. https://www.reference.com/education/components-iq-test-aa1ab920486314f7#full-answer

I suspect the 3 IQ points Vox has on me explains why I thought the dwarf was eaten by the dragon (AToB). One of the few times I failed Voxian reading comprehension.

Vox has done Yeoman's work laying the intellectual foundation for the push back movement against the left that has finally materialized. Like Stickwick pointed out - a smack to the face is often more effective at reversing a mental stupor. The UFC approach also attracts a sharper set of commenters.

"Quiz time: How would one convince Rightisallright to ally with Nazis?"

To ask this question is to ask why Louis Farrakhan likes what he sees in Donald Trump. Farrakhan see the truth in Trump's statement the Democrats come by every four years for votes then depart and do nothing. Farrakhan sees Trump wants to see inner cities made better places.

How? Speak the truth. Lift up the weak. Let the alternative speak for itself.

My family too was interred in concentration camps. I get an inkling of the fury of undying hate, but what about today - and tomorrow?

"Ah, so Congress being unwilling to sign off on any additional massive spending programs actually did have some effect. But in that case we're still on course, merely going more slowly than you expected."

yep. For all the yelling of "CUCK" by my own estimation they are the only reason a gallon of milk doesn't cost $8,567. And yes... the prediction is wrong based on the timeline. not the mechanics.

How would one convince Rightisallright to ally with Nazis?I missed his background story the first time through and assumed he was a lib based on your quote. The answer is to take the remaining 30 members of his extended family hostage and to tell him that lack of cooperation will result in painful death for them. Any other (imagined, future) threat is six of these half dozen of the rest.

One of the things I found refreshing was his utter bluntness--the way he cut through the bullshit with brutal effectiveness. I was immediately hooked.

And while I agree that to the uninitiated Vox can feel like wearing sandpaper underwear, I think it serves an important function: It forces the disassociation of emotion from logic. You have to step up your game to play on this field because your feelz are irrelevant.

@36 "I never confuse the movement with myself. I'm not the movement. I'm not even a leader. I just think about things and write down what I think. The Alt-Right is a consequence, not a cause."

Supreme Dark Lord -- you remind of Geo Washington and his take on the/his presidency. You can see where we're going and (partly?) how to get there, and anything you mention or write out helps those of us not quite tall enough to see over the grass all the way to the goal! It's why we keep following!

It took me a while to realize, however off-putting and abrasive, Vox's approach is far more effective than most. I've literally watched a collection of atheists and leftists turn around their thinking because of Vox, the Ilk and a varied assortment of VFM. It works. That's all I need to know.

@74 "Vox and a few of the Ilk slapped me around for passive-aggressiveness. It stung, but I kept coming back"

I'm reminded when my co-teacher and I would bring our "tai chi master" to town for a seminar. We got to spend hours with him away from the venue in deep practice. He and I were doing a drill where I was to keep the backs of my hands against his as he moved them in circles, without loosing contact (a "reading" exercise). The second time I lost contact, he dove in and slapped me on the face (hard)! We then kept going, but my mind was shattered, I was TRYING to focus ("he slapped me! focus focus! But ... he SLAPPED me!") -- but I was just way off-balance!

The next year, same thing, (same slap) and I -- without thought -- sank deeper into focus and kept going, unrattled. (Didn't know I could do it -- or how!)

If you find Vox sharp (or mean?!) -- keep reading! You won't know quite when you "get" it -- but suddenly, you'll be there, right where Vox is pointing you.

(Or, as when learning to speak a language: don't "repeat after me"-- say it WITH the recording / teacher. Your mind will automatically make the adjustment, learn to do the thing.) I guess I mean: Keep at it, your mind will get you there if you only get out of your own way!)

I have a hard time believing Feynmann had an IQ of 123. More likely he was too bored by the test to try. Or at the very least it strongly illustrates the limitations of the IQ test as an assessment of IQ. Quantum chromodynamics ain't simple boy.

Th test had a low ceiling., where one or two incorrect answers is the difference between a 125 score and maybe a 140 one.

I bought an IQ testing app from the iTunes store. One of the tests told me my IQ was 138, the other that it was 106. I dunno. I've never felt very clever. I don't go around tone-policing people on their own blog though. I'm not quite that stupid.

@112 Reminds me of martial arts training: The best trainers do not hold back in their knowledge, but they also don't needlessly beat you up."

They also train up and then delegate to their senior students the handling / teaching of newbies! Or, they tell the newbies to stand in the back and play along as best they can -- and after a year, the new students may have learned enough to be worth a senior teacher's attention!

Above 2SD. Most IQ tests I've taken online do a poor job at measuring IQs above 120, but I consistently get above 130.

When I first started commenting here seven years ago, Vox and a few of the Ilk slapped me around for passive-aggressiveness. It stung, but I kept coming back because nobody else at the time was providing the kind of information and analysis that Vox was. The truth is addicting once you get used to hearing it. But the slapping around was at least as invaluable as the information, because it not only civilized me, but sharpened my debate and discussion skills considerably. I have nothing but gratitude for the intellectual rock-tumbler that VP is.

@74 StickwickI agree with your post completely. Getting whacked keeps you humble, plus you learn to control or wipe out any sperg or Gamma tendencies you might have. You have to think, "Now, why did he do that?" Also, to stand up for yourself if you're being attacked unjustifiably.

Lastly, I was Omega and now Delta, with this and Alpha Game being a huge part of why.

I discovered the key to not getting bitched slapped here was to not be a bitch.

And I found that if I have a genuine question or concern (stated clearly and genuinely) it was almost always addressed by someone in a genuine and forthright manner. I recently asked for advise on a personal matter in light of what I have learned here, and was a bit concerned that I might get some degree of condescension. Instead I got helpful feedback and words of comfort and encouragement.

Anyone can be a garden-variety asshole and it's nothing to be proud of. Vox is way too advanced to be considered a real asshole or a serious asshole; he passed that point years ago when he became a complete asshole.

Civilians have difficult dealing with this concept. Assholes are special and necessary because they are the ones who get the dirty jobs done. Assholes face reality, think, plan and do. In order to understand assholes, one must view them in contradistinction to pricks. Pricks scheme and plot in order to avoid responsibility and stay out of harms way, then seize credit for the performance of assholes after the fact.

Pricks are always the better politicians (they believe their own lies) and there has always been conflict between assholes and pricks. As a rule, the pricks win in the end and the assholes go off and create something new. As soon as whatever the assholes created looks good the pricks arrive to "manage" things and create a bureaucracy designed to screw the assholes. Still don't understand? Think "code of conduct" attacks. It's a never-ending cycle.

I would venture to say that it was the years of writing his column for WND that caused Vox to progress from being a serious asshole to become a complete asshole. One should always keep an eye out for complete assholes, if for no other reason than their entertainment value.

Over the past few years Vox came under much greater attack by the pricks, which allowed him to grow and finally become a perfect asshole (all this "Supreme Dark Lord" stuff is just another way of saying the man is a perfect asshole). This is extremely rare outside military organizations (if one counts triage evaluators as military) and it must be understood that there are very few perfect assholes. Perfect assholes are usually difficult to locate because they tend to get disgusted and withdraw from everyone due to their inability to locate peers. Only a serious or complete asshole can appreciate world a perfect asshole lives in.

In keeping with the high standards I would expect from a perfect asshole's blog, VP is rather remarkable: it contains an inordinately high number of ranking assholes and a remarkably small number of pricks.

Since you correctly spelled "sperg" I don't know why you called it Asberger. It refers to someone who is being intentionally obtuse by being overly literal. An example would be the MSM whenever Donald Trump speaks.

Agreed. A lot of the responses from VD on here, while they do sting (intent isn't quite as clear unless it happens to be towards someone who is truly clueless), do tend to get to the point. And a "That's nice" goes a hell of a lot further to smashing an ignorant or misguided opinion than the standard canned responses that immediately put one on the defensive, which generally tends to reinforce such ignorance.

@145 Artisanal ToadYou have your definitions of "prick" and "asshole" exactly backward from how I would use them. Somehow, it makes much more sense to apply "prick" to the high ranks and "asshole" to Gammas.

Unfortunately these days possessing a combination of smarts, knowledge and a bullshit detector is not valued by most educated people. There isn't a drive to understand things and challenge oneself to be more insightful. Over and over, I see that people just want to feel good by thinking the approved thoughts.

I have a hard time believing Feynmann had an IQ of 123. More likely he was too bored by the test to try. Or at the very least it strongly illustrates the limitations of the IQ test as an assessment of IQ. Quantum chromodynamics ain't simple boy.

Th test had a low ceiling., where one or two incorrect answers is the difference between a 125 score and maybe a 140 one.

If we leave aside the idea that General intelligence or G may not be what is really there (the latent class may not correlate with reality) the big issue is that the tests are normed for the general population, and above 1.5 to 2 SD the reliability and validity of any test is questionable.

So we disagree. First I don't think you fully understood what I was saying. I'm not looking for "nicer", dumbed down, watered down- just be LESS of an asshole to those who are on your side. Don't mind straightforward, blunt, hard, gritty with some asshole mixed in and pure asshole to the left and "cucks". But I understand, as dear old dad would say, "tough shit." I think your wrong. But was pretty sure this is how you'd take it. Thanks for all the "compliments" boys. If one thing commenting on the internet has taught me is that you really can't tell shit about a man. Ah well, I'll still read daily and SJW's always lie is still on my must read list. No Butthurt here. I just think you and your commentators are wrong on this one and it lessens our chance of winning. Obviously, It's your site to do with what you want. Godspeed

Robert wrote:I just think you and your commentators are wrong on this one and it lessens our chance of winning. Obviously, It's your site to do with what you want. GodspeedSo, did you even read Vox' response? Because this comment screams "Gamma butthurt".

Actually Vox, you're just a jerk. It's not your alleged intelligence, it's your never ending self loathing and general contempt for the human race.

You should invest in some manners and try to practice some basic human decency. Especially important if you are going to roam about trying to claim Christ's name. Getting that wrong has a nasty way of coming around and biting you in the behind.

Actually Vox, you're just a jerk. It's not your alleged intelligence, it's your never ending self loathing and general contempt for the human race.

You should invest in some manners and try to practice some basic human decency. Especially important if you are going to roam about trying to claim Christ's name. Getting that wrong has a nasty way of coming around and biting you in the behind.

I'm not butthurt. I respect Vox enough to read each day and agree with the vast majority of what he says. I spend money on his books. I spend even something more valuable than that- my time. I don't have a lot of it and the half hour a day I spend reading is time away from my family and business, both of which need more of my time. He is someone who influences me a great deal.

I just think he is wrong on this one. No hard feelings. I really don't give a shit what you guys think about me, nor Vox. The only thing I care about in this discussion is winning the war we are in. We disagree. Happens all the time. Not a big deal.

I do wonder though, is there a way to say you are wrong without being a known commodity by you guys that is not gamma? Seems like the guys that go off on Vox and f-bomb him and attack his charachter & motives are gamma.

I say, you're an asshole sometimes. Like that was news to Vox.

I said there are times that gets in the way of winning but I still respect you enough to read your work, even buy it. No hard feelings even though we disagree.

And that's still gamma? Crap guys, that's why I don't comment and is at the essence of my whole original comment.

What do you believe Vox's apathy about his poor representation of genuine Christianity says about his relationship with God? If you're not sure, I'll tell you that it indicates nothing commendable.

Beware of "Christians" who tell you you're a bigger problem than emotionally abusive people in denial. They're not just self-righteous and stupid, they're ridiculous. You don't need them; don't ever think that you do.

@180 I don't know Vox so I'm not going to judge his faith. I'm not out to emulate his faith if that is your concern. I do appreciate the insights he has into politics, tribes and SJW's.

My goal on earth is to live for Jesus Christ that I might bring him glory. The way I do that while & through leading, shepherding, serving and loving my family and neighbor I'm sure some would be suspect to many if only observed through their lense, especially over the internet.

I find no man that I know personally, let alone over the internet, that I try to emulate but in part. I find a man who has wisdom or shown himself worthy in one aspect and take from him there and take from another in another aspect.

Apparently to my fault according those present, I analyze what is presented and pick and choose what I see lines up with Truth & truth.

Approval is nice, but not of importance. As Christ said, "for He knew what was with in man."

So at the end of the day I'm happy to stand in disagreement if necessary, no matter if my 2SD doesn't match up. Vox is the better of me in parts, and I him, and you me. I keep my strengths and build my weaknesses. Vox helps build my weakness in the areas I mentioned where I am out of my depths, to this I am grateful. I will leave the rest between him & the Lord, his family and his brothers in Christ who know him. He doesn't know me. I offered what I could, it was rejected. I am okay with that. I reject the advice of those here as I'm okay with what I said and stand by it.

Bottom line, I have not been called to Vox's mission, nor he mine. He will have to be accountable for what he has done. Just as I will. As we all will. I have a hard enough time with my own. I was simply trying to help a brother on a mission give a better return of mina to his King. He says he has found a better ROI elsewhere. I'm dubious on this one, but it his mina that he has been entrusted with, not mine.

For me I will wake up tomorrow and go on with life as I did today, except where I improved myself to be more like Him. If Vox helps me accomplish that by better positioning me in dealing with the hard realities of this earth, then I am better for it while I live out my faith & life.

Robert, doesn't Christ expect His followers to be humble and joyful, and to be kind, compassionate, gentle and patient with one another? Is it not our obligation as Christians to use righteous judgement, and determine which self-proclaimed Christians are actually trying to build up the church up and which aren't? We aren't to be passive about this, are we?

Think about what's been prompting your posts. You know you have a good point; follow it to its logical conclusions.

@181 @185 Robert, doesn't Christ expect His followers to be humble and joyful, and to be kind, compassionate, gentle and patient with one another?

Vox has already described himself as a convert/revert. The work of conversion is not the work of a day. The author of 1 Cor 13 is also the one who called the Galatians foolish and who wished the pro-circumcision party would castrate themselves. I'm sure VD would just say, with St. Paul, 2 Cor 10:1

@185 We are at war. War is brutal. Those who are firing either the first or second most amount shots our way are those who would call themselves His followers. I'm dubious of many of them truly being His.

VD is a warrior in the midst of battle. The last and best way I can explain it is I believe he is a fan of Louis LaMour who in his books on more than one occassion describes that out of 100 men, 90 are practically useless in battle. 7 are men you want on your side, 2 are extremely talented and worth ten men a piece and one is a warrior. A true warrior who craves battle and is worth dozens of men. But as with the gunslingers of old who were warriors, a great many go bad and cross the line where they like to kill.

Many here are mistaking me, saying we should put our guns down or that being a warrior is wrong. No I'm a christian who believes that David who killed his tens of thousands was a man after Christ's own heart as our Bible teaches. We have our need for warriors for it is war we are in. I was just reminding Vox of the line that can be crossed from warrior to killer. I'm not telling him to put down his sword, just use it more judiciously. To make sure he's not striking down many of the 90, one of the seven or even worse one of the two. A warrior, no matter how great, needs an army or war party beside him. And not one that will just kiss his ass no matter what is said. Respect and disagreement are not mutually exclusive. I think Vox is dangerously close to crossing over that line from warrior to killer, but I'm on a different battlefront and my view might not be the best. I'll keep my eyes open, my bible well worn, my hands well calloused and continue to pick up what wisdom I can. If other evidence ever presents itself I will sift it to the best of my ability.

Robert, you don't think VD and his vile, Aspergery ilk have a temperament anywhere close to Christ's, do you?

@181 Defective Instinct"Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you are like to whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear to men beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones, and of all filthiness." --Jesus Christ (Matt. 23:27)

@186: You're not refuting anything I said about the expectations Christ has for those who claim to follow Him. Why do you believe my true, self-explanatory points needed embellishing? You're obfuscating.

@188: Robert, you didn't directly address what I asked. Why do you believe you didn't?

Christians are undoubtedly obligated to be patient, forgiving, tender and kind, to humbly serve one another in love. They are supposed to focus on spiritual matters, not worldly ones.

Those who are apathetic or worse when they fail to live as Christ would have us are indicating they do not have a true relationship with God. If you are afraid to state this plainly, it's a sign you're immature.

@190: What's genuinely uplifting about you? How is your attitude about the edification of church members any different than the snobby and dismissive cuckservative "believers"?

In impact, it isn't different. You don't love me as Christ does, You also don't you care that you don't.

You're a simpleminded, intellectually lazy, pseudo-Christian abusive liar who couldn't help but prove my point about prideful, unkind/unloving people such as yourself.